Lupus Support Group

Okay I just recieved a call from my insurance company as I do every 2 wks to see if there is anything they can help me with regarding medication or if I have any questions in general pertaining to Lupus. I informed him that I've been having stomach problems again and that the medication I was put on for the nausea is not working now. I've been taking Dramamine 3xs a day now b/c my nausea has gotten so bad again. When I went to see my Rheummy this week he stated that he'd rather I take that than for him to perscribe me something else b/c his next step would be to put me on medication that cancer patients take and they are really strong.

The insurance representative stated that I should get tested for the bacteria H.pylori. He said although my stomach problems may be from all the medications I am on this bacteria may have set in my stomach causing the nausea and it can be treated to kill the bacteria and relieve all anti-acid problems. I just left a message with the nurse and I'm waiting on a return call.

I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with this bacteria?

I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time with this. It sounds like you have ulcers. I have annual endoscopies and a history of bleeding ulcers (which can cause nausea); all this because I have GERD.

Your doctor is correct in his suggestion that you get tested for Heliobacterim Pylori, which is bacteria that causes ulcers (as do some medications).

Have you ever been diagnosed with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)? If not treated appropriately, GERD can cause you problems that you don't want with what you're going through now. However, that said, you already have at least one autoimmune illness and are susceptible to another; GERD being a possibility.

H. Pylori can be detected via blood work and via biopsy of the stomach (e.g. ulcerated or inflammed areas) which is done at the time of an endoscopy.

I hope you get some answers soon, as this can become a huge problem if not treated.

I actually may be able to help out with this. When I'm able to work, I work as a Disease Management RN, and educate people about common illnesses, one of which is dealing with stomach issues.

H. Pylori (Heliocobacter Pylori) is a common bacteria that can easily be ingested (on produce, foods...fairly common). When the bacteria is ingested, in some people it can cause an overgrowth in the stomach which is extremely aggravating to the stomach. In fact, when left untreated, may lead to stomach ulcers.

Common signs of H. Pylori issues are extreme nausea, stomach pain, and an increase in "acid reflux" issues. Some people also complain of having "bad breath" they didn't have before having the infection in their stomach.

Testing is really simple. A blood test can determine (once cultured) within a few days if the bacteria is present. There is also a "breathalizer" type of test the lab can use for results.

Treatment is also pretty simple. The Dr would order an antibiotic for a course of usually 2 weeks (sometimes more), and the test for the bacteria can be again performed to make sure the bacteria is gone.

Drs may also prescribe meds like Prevacid, Protonix, Prilosec, Aciphex, ect (a group of meds called Proton Pump Inhibitors) to help with Acid Reflux symptoms and to help protect the stomach.

I think it's a great idea to rule out this infection, in the event your stomach issues aren't caused from your other medications...and even better if your insurance company suggested it, which means they shouldn't give any problems about paying for the test!

Let us know how everything goes!

- Stef

Tina, You should definitely get tested for H Pylori because I was diagnoised with that before I was diagnoised with Lupus. Maybe there is a connection...actually, I visited a GI doctor last week and he said many people have H Pylori and dont know it. He also said he wouldn't necessarily treat a person whom he found to have it. That was surprising to me because I read that it can cause stomach cancer if left untreated. His explanation was that it can stir up the immune system if you try to cure it. After having it for so long, the body can get used to living with it and curing it can cause the immune system to go wild. I'll have to get a second opinion on that one...nevertheless, I'm having stomach and digestive problems and I'm trying to figure all that out in relation to the H Pylori and lupus. I am requesting another endoscopy and a colonoscopy too. I need to get to the bottom of this because the excessive belching is ridiculous. I hope all goes well with your testing.

Be Blessed

L.A.

Okay... first of all, I'm impressed Tina. Your insurance company calls you! Wow! That's awesome!

My guess to your stomach issue would be an ulcer. But, the H.pylori sounds like a good possibility too.

I've had stomach issues... (have occasional ulcers) I have nausea and often times vomitting and keeping nothing down for days. I thought the reason was my meds. My rheumy had me try Prilosec. Of course, I left there just fulling convinced that it wasn't going to work. Although, I "really" wanted it to work cause I'd lost enough weight that if it continued, he was going to send me to a GI specialist and I didn't want that. (Keep in mind that I'm obsese, but had just simply lost too much weight in such a short amount of time.) Anyway, after taking a months worth of Prilosec, I can honestly say that, for me, it worked.

When do you go back to the doctor? If need be, I'd call their office and discuss this again with the doctor's nurse. Let them know how you're doing.

I too have been having horrible stomach issues since Jan 1st. My rheumatologist said that it was an ulcer on examination of where it was located from the mediacations. I have also lost quite abit of weight in a short amount of time. I don't have the acid reflux just the nausea and loss of appetitie and alot of gas and now the gas is gone but I still have the other symptoms. I am wondering if I should have the test for h pylori any comments would be helpful and I also have a nurse from my insurance call me every month. She is very helpful and does have alot of advice and she listens which I like.

Eva

Thanks ladies, you are all awesome. I was told I had GERD which is why I was put on Protonix. For about five months it was controlling my nausea but now I'm having issues with it again. I am worried about ulcers too. My father has had ulcers before and my uncle died from a bleeding ulcer so I know they can be very servious. Plan to get all the tests done to find out what the actual problem is so I can get this nausea out of my system for good.